Native Title Manager

Meelup has been engaged to assist our client identify and attract an outstanding person for the role of Native Title Manager – Land Access Manager.

Our client is an Aboriginal Corporation who had native title first granted 11 years ago including exclusive Native Title rights to approximately half of their overall country.

The main administrative office is in Perth with an additional regional office on their country. This role will primarily be based be in the main office with frequent travel to regional and member-based areas required as part of the role.

The Role

Anyone familiar with Aboriginal Corporations will understand the key strategic and operational importance of this role. The dynamic nature of this position is not for everyone as the demands of the role can require you to pivot and change priorities including changing your role from leader to managing projects, leading negotiations and being a team member as the situation requires.

Whilst most professionals are subject matter experts and know when they are right, our client has a preference for an experienced lawyer that can persuade, engage, debate when required and bring others in the community along with them.

These roles will include you interacting with the Land Access Team including Heritage, Ranger program staff, proponents seeking access, traditional owners / members of the community and others.

A key component in your DNA and demonstrated behaviour will be your advanced negotiation skills as there are a large number of Proponents and related agreements.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will

·      Be relied on for technical knowledge, guidance, recommendations and insight. Not by just saying this is right, wrong or other but being able to translate the legal side of things into adding to the decision making and not just "here is my opinion- you work it out".

·      Translate the legal side into a conversation or yarn that will ensure that members and  Board members can understand and not feel they are being lectured at, told off or feel inferior.

·      Share your experience, knowledge with others for the broader good.

·      Provide reassurance to others via insight.

·      Be open to seeking advice or insight from others including from your broad network of colleagues to bounce ideas off.

·      Know when you need to reach out to external support but not always rely on this.

·      Supervise a restricted practitioner in your team.

For the members

·      Be able to adjust your delivery to suit the audience.

·      Be able to handle robust / passionate and at times aggressive members and know how to adjust your style accordingly.

·      Possess high levels of self-awareness to know when you are being drawn into an issue which could lead to a compromised position but act professionally for the benefit for all members.

For your colleagues

·      Be seen as an equal, not a lawyer in your own orbit.

·      Be someone that can add value to the wider organisation– not a separate functional area with no interest in other parts of the organisation.

·      Share your learning, wisdom and insight to enable others to learn, develop and grow.

·      Be someone who can assist in another area and not feel it is beneath them.

·      Be an effective , transparent and collaborative leader.

·      Be able to be relied on by other members of the team. Be accountable.

This is an immediate start opportunity but the Corporation will work with the preferred candidate to achieve a suitable start date which may not be immediate but require a notice period elsewhere.

Key Selection Criteria

·      Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a comparable role, with proven ability to apply legal qualifications to lead effectively and act as a trusted advisor.

·      Comprehensive knowledge and up-to-date understanding of relevant Acts and legislation, particularly Western Australian mining legislation, regulations, and compliance requirements.

·      Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.

·      Strong understanding of the responsibilities and functions of Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in managing native title rights and interests.

·      Tertiary qualifications in Law, supplemented by additional experience or qualifications that enhance professional effectiveness.

·      Proven experience in managing the conducting of Heritage surveys, with a focus on delivering quality outcomes within budget and time constraints.

·      Successful track record in building and maintaining relationships with the mining industry, funding bodies, strategic partners, and community organisations.

·      Experience in implementing strategic plans, including operational delivery of Board-endorsed strategies relating to land access, compliance with future acts, and heritage protection.

·      Demonstrated ability and interest in agreement oversight and compliance management.

·      Advanced leadership and influencing skills, underpinned by strong self-awareness and the ability to lead teams while engaging and influencing external stakeholders.

·      Proven capability in team building, community engagement, and staff management.

·      Commitment to the highest ethical standards in all aspects of professional practice.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Closing date is Friday 26th September but we would encourage those interested in being considered to submit their application as soon as possible as we will engage with suitable applicants as they are received.

How to Apply

Meelup Management is partnering with the CEO to conduct the selection process and can ensure privacy and confidentiality to all enquiries from candidates in the selection process.

Please click apply now and send your résumé and cover letter outlining your specific qualifications, addressing the selection criteria and why you believe you are ideally suited to this opportunity.

Please contact Chris Wiener via email  for a confidential discussion on your suitability for this role.